Firstly just a quick thanks to ThirstyBoy. I reckon one of the best days for BIAB was certainly the day that Dan got his sewing machine out. While many of you have contributed so well here, I think the award for the most numerous posts of consistent high quality in this thread (and elsewhere) goes to Dan. He gets nowhere near enough thanks for the massive amount of time and thought he has thrown in here so good on ya Dan and thanks a heap mate. I think I can say that from everyone here.
A Simple Way to Improve Efficiency In A Big Way
I said I'd start a thread on this but I probably had too many drinks when I wrote that. I think a simple post is a much better idea and a morning one at that - lol!
While not all of you will be able to do the following, it is worth having a think on with the equipment you have. Here's what I did on my last brew which gave me an extra 2lts of wort (about an 8% improvement in efficiency.)
It simply involves tilting the kettle using your skyhook as follows...
Here's the process that applies to my set-up for a single-batch...
The Chill
1. End boil and turn on chiller.
2. Agitate frequently using sterilised paddle kept in the wort.
3. When below scalding temperature, tilt the kettle as high as possible.
4. Continue frequent agitation (this speeds up the cooling process.)
5. At chill end, let sit for 10 or 15 minutes before syphoning.
The Syphon
1. Insert syphon to just below the top of wort and start the syphon.
2. Gradually lower syphon until wort starts to become unclear and then lift it up a tad. Keep syphon in place and let kettle drain
Other Considerations
1. Double Batches: If double-batching, before you tilt the kettle, syphon off half of the batch to reduce the kettle weight. Tilt the kettle and then let it sit for 10 or 15 minutes before syphoning the remainder.
2. Auto-Syphons: Unfortunately the syphons being sold now don't work as the internal diameter of the hose is just too large. I have a new one and if I find a way of getting it to work I'll let you know.
3. Tap in Kettle: Not sure how the above would work for those who have taps in their kettle especially on a double-batch. I'm thinking that you could tilt your kettle so the tap outlet is high and then gradually lower it until the wort becomes unclear, then lift up a tad. Dunno about this especially as everyone's set-up differs.
4. Kettle Shape: This certainly works well with pots of large diameter but I'm unsure how much of a difference it would make for those who have kettles.
5. Safety: Of course, you don't want to be putting weight on handles that are weak. The Robinox pots are very solid though and will easily handle tilting the kettle with a single batch.
You can, of course, if you do want to eak every bit of wort out of a brew, also tilt your fermenter. Do the tilt away from your tap so that the tap sits on the high side. On draining, gradually lower the tap in the manner mentioned in 3 immediately above.
I think that simple mechanical ways like the above which give you high percentage improvements whilst also making your brewing easier are the first areas that should be considered by those keen on obtaining very high efficiencies. Other ways seem to involve more equipment and labour with only a slight reward.
As for the skyhook, if you don't have one, get one. I was unable to install one for most of my BIAB brewing due to the premises I was in. The double-pulley set-up ($6 each from any hardware) is truly wonderful and remember you can use it to hang your hopsock as well.
Wow! I think I actually wrote something informative. First time in ages - lol!
Spot ya later,
Pat
